Green Fleet

New Light-Duty Fuel Economy Rises to 25.4 MPG

The average fuel economy of new light-duty vehicles sold in March rose to 25.4 miles per gallon to reach its highest level is more than seven years, according to University of Michigan researchers.

Fuel economy rose 0.3 mpg above February levels, and has climbed more than 26 percent since the University of Michigan's Transportation Research Institute (UMTRI) began keeping records in October of 2007.

"The increase in fuel economy of 5.3 mpg since 2007 represents an unprecedented improvement in such a short time," said Michael Sivak, UMTRI research professor.

Meanwhile, the institute's Eco-Driving Index (EDI) increased to 0.80 in January. The EDI measures the average monthly amoung of greenhouse gases produced by an individual U.S. driver of a vehicle purchased in that month. The index uses 1 as a baseline, and a lower number represents less emissions. There has been a 20 percent reduction in emissions measured by the index since October 2007.

The Mercedes-Benz 2020 GLC350e plug-in hybrid will arrive with refresh that adds new styling, the latest cabin interface, and third-generation plug-in hybrid software that adds torque and improves the all-electric range, the automaker has announced.

Electrify America has demonstrated the potential of fast DC charging with a demonstration in which the company charged a Porsche Taycan with 800-volt lithium-ion battery architecture at 270 kilowatts, which is the fastest charging speed available today.

REG Ultra Clean Diesel — a blend of renewable diesel and biodiesel — is now available for bulk purchase near Portland, Ore. It emits fewer emissions than conventional diesel, renewable diesel, or biodiesel.

The fleet will feature about 500 fuel-cell electric vehicles (FCEVs) and 850 battery-electric vehicles (BEVs) and showcase Toyota’s new models and concepts, such as the Toyota concept-i, which will demonstrate Level 4 autonomous driving around Olympic venues.